French Open Final: [1] Rafa Nadal vs [7] Dominic Thiem

[VaporDude95]

Thiem plzzzzzz

The Austrian hunk deserves a grand slam.

 

[Deleted member 744633]

Rafa Nadal in straight sets.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Thiem's spin and potency was stunning today.

 

[stringertom]

No such thing as premature when it comes to Rafa on clay.

Too many times this week "newbies" have broken code by posting threads before their time. It reminds me of USO general discussion thread started in July a couple of years ago. Just not cool.

 

[tennis4me]

This match will be a really good test for one of the NextGen players like Thiem.

For me, Thiem is one of the more likeable post-NextGen players that I can see myself rooting for once the top 3 retire.

edit: changed NextGen to post-NextGen (aka here as LostGen )

 

[NoleFam]

It's going to be heavy conditions and a bit rainy, which Nadal hates. This is a golden chance for Dominic Thiem. Federer and Djokovic rarely got Nadal in these type of conditions where it's 80% chance for rain, and the one time Djokovic did the match was suspended. Thiem is a strong 24 year old clay courter who knows how to beat Rafa on clay. Rafa always saves his best for the final but he hasn't looked good this tournament and the conditions don't favor him. What the hell...I'm calling the upset. Thiem to shock the world in 5 sets.

 

[JohnnyMac Fan!]

My thread is the best final thread, no?

its alright

 

[AlexanderTheGreat08]

This match will be a really good test for one of the NextGen players like Thiem.

For me, Thiem is one of the more likeable NextGen players that I can see myself rooting for once the top 3 retire.

NextGen is 21 and under , Thiem is in the Generation that’s between the LostGen and NextGen where you can see the players aged 23-25

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

This match will be a really good test for one of the NextGen players like Thiem.

For me, Thiem is one of the more likeable NextGen players that I can see myself rooting for once the top 3 retire.

Thiem is a part of lost/useless gen.

 

[stringertom]

Probably not what most tennis fans want to hear...Sunday's forecast is for 60% scattered thunderstorms beginning at 2pm.

If it's rainy I up Thiem's chances a bit to take at least a set. Nadal in 4.

 

[acintya]

Thiem is the second worst player Nadal can face on clay. The first is Djokovic - and the peak Wawrinka for sure.. but we cannot count him in because thats a rare occasion.

I will say - it will be at least a 4 setter.

Will be cheering for Thiem - not that I have something against Nadal but we really need a new GS winner.

 

[zagor]

It's going to be heavy conditions and a bit rainy, which Nadal hates. This is a golden chance for Dominic Thiem. Federer and Djokovic rarely got Nadal in these type of conditions where it's 80% chance for rain, and the one time Djokovic did the match was suspended. Thiem is a strong 24 year old clay courter who knows how to beat Rafa on clay. Rafa always saves his best for the final but he hasn't looked good this tournament and the conditions don't favor him. What the hell...I'm calling the upset. Thiem to shock the world in 5 sets.

A strong 24 year old claycourter without a single masters title, right.

Nadal in straights.

 

[Deleted member 120290]

Thiem is not beating Nadal 3 out of 5 at RG. This is not 2 out of 3 at very fast Madrid clay.
1hbh against Nadal at RG has virtually 0 chance.
I'd be surprised if Thiem takes even 1 set.

 

[I Am Finnish]

Thiem needs a miracle and play the best match of his life

 

[Deleted member 756486]

It's going to be heavy conditions and a bit rainy, which Nadal hates. This is a golden chance for Dominic Thiem. Federer and Djokovic rarely got Nadal in these type of conditions where it's 80% chance for rain, and the one time Djokovic did the match was suspended. Thiem is a strong 24 year old clay courter who knows how to beat Rafa on clay. Rafa always saves his best for the final but he hasn't looked good this tournament and the conditions don't favor him. What the hell...I'm calling the upset. Thiem to shock the world in 5 sets.

5 sets? Damn I’m not sure if he’s that mentally tough.

He had to win it in 3 or 4 imo, Nadal is the king of the fifth set.

 

[tennis4me]

NextGen is 21 and under , Thiem is in the Generation that’s between the LostGen and NextGen where you can see the players aged 23-25

Oops. True. The oldest NextGen player was Chung - not doing so well lately.

 

[Deleted member 120290]

5 sets? Damn I’m not sure if he’s that mentally tough.

He had to win it in 3 or 4 imo, Nadal is the king of the fifth set.

Uh, hello...

 

[Deleted member 77403]

It's going to be heavy conditions and a bit rainy, which Nadal hates. This is a golden chance for Dominic Thiem. Federer and Djokovic rarely got Nadal in these type of conditions where it's 80% chance for rain, and the one time Djokovic did the match was suspended. Thiem is a strong 24 year old clay courter who knows how to beat Rafa on clay. Rafa always saves his best for the final but he hasn't looked good this tournament and the conditions don't favor him. What the hell...I'm calling the upset. Thiem to shock the world in 5 sets.

Not happening....

Nadal will savage Thiem.

 

[NoleFam]

A strong 24 year old claycourter without a single masters title, right.

Nadal in straights.

Well he has like 8 titles on clay already and has beaten Nadal 3 times on clay. It's great to have Masters titles like Zverev but Thiem has been playing in the big leagues at RG for the 3rd straight year. Zverev has yet to reach that stage of a Slam. It's a risk but I'm going with Thiem in 5.

 

[tennis4me]

Thiem is a part of lost/useless gen.

I guess we'll see tomorrow whether he can deliver ...

 

[Mainad]

It's going to be heavy conditions and a bit rainy, which Nadal hates. This is a golden chance for Dominic Thiem. Federer and Djokovic rarely got Nadal in these type of conditions where it's 80% chance for rain, and the one time Djokovic did the match was suspended. Thiem is a strong 24 year old clay courter who knows how to beat Rafa on clay. Rafa always saves his best for the final but he hasn't looked good this tournament and the conditions don't favor him. What the hell...I'm calling the upset. Thiem to shock the world in 5 sets.

On the other hand, rain-breaks almost always favour Rafa!

 

[MugOpponent]

Thiem is long overdue for one of his wtf matches where he gets crushed. It's hard to imagine a more likely scenario than his first slam final against Nadal. For all the talk of Nadal not playing well, the man has lost one set, one. While much of the tourney hasn't been 'Peak Rafa', non 'Peak Rafa is still way better at Roland Garros than the subsequent players.

I'll go with 6-3 6-3 6-1.

 

[NoleFam]

Not happening....

Nadal will savage Thiem.

I honestly think it's going to be closer but we will see. Maybe I'm thinking too much with my heart but what the hell. We will see.

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

5 sets? Damn I’m not sure if he’s that mentally tough.

He had to win it in 3 or 4 imo, Nadal is the king of the fifth set.

RAFA has a losing record in 5-setters since 2010.

 

[Deleted member 77403]

I honestly think it's going to be closer but we will see. Maybe I'm thinking too much with my heart but what the hell. We will see.

Indeed we will

 

[Crionics]

I think it depends a bit on which kind of Nadal shows up and how Thiem will deal with the pressure. Rafa's level this year was overall quite a bit lower compared to 2017. He is definitely beatable, I found his serving in this tournament overall quite mediocre and he was often playing short. He definitely needs to address these issues for the final.

 

[NoleFam]

On the other hand, rain-breaks almost always favour Rafa!

I know. Let's hope it's the other way around this time.

 

[Fedole]

Thiem will fight, I think he will grab a set but probably no more. Nadal in 4

 

[I Am Finnish]

It's going to be heavy conditions and a bit rainy, which Nadal hates. This is a golden chance for Dominic Thiem. Federer and Djokovic rarely got Nadal in these type of conditions where it's 80% chance for rain, and the one time Djokovic did the match was suspended. Thiem is a strong 24 year old clay courter who knows how to beat Rafa on clay. Rafa always saves his best for the final but he hasn't looked good this tournament and the conditions don't favor him. What the hell...I'm calling the upset. Thiem to shock the world in 5 sets.

The match might moved to monday

And some one will make a topic 4th time Nadal lucked out

 

[Deleted member 756486]

RAFA has a losing record in 5-setters since 2010.

How many of those are against Djokovic?

 

[SQA333]

Nadal is going to loop those balls NICE AND HIGH to Thiem's backhand side. I laugh at anyone who thinks this is going to be a contest. And to those picking Thiem to win... LOL!

Nadal in 3 easy sets. if Thiem can match the number of games he won last year (7) it will be a great achievement.

 

[NoleFam]

The match might moved to monday

And some one will make a topic 4th time Nadal lucked out

With Nadal's good luck, that probably will happen.

 

[cc0509]

I think it depends a bit on which kind of Nadal shows up and how Thiem will deal with the pressure. Rafa's level this year was overall quite a bit lower compared to 2017. He is definitely beatable, I found his serving in this tournament overall quite mediocre and he was often playing short. He definitely needs to address these issues for the final.

I think Nadal looks beatable compared to last year for sure. But the problem is, does Thiem have the belief and can he zone for best of five against Nadal on Chatrier without becoming an error machine? Part of me thinks no but the other part of me thinks Thiem is ready.

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

How many of those are against Djokovic?

2. AO 2012 and RG 2013.

 

[tennis_pro]

The match might moved to monday

And some one will make a topic 4th time Nadal lucked out

The weather's gonna be even worse on Monday.

Let's just call it a tie and give them both runner-up plates.

 

[Pheasant]

Right now, Nadal is the overwhelming favorite in Las Vegas to take down Thiem. The odds against Nadal winning are 1/5! I.e, if you bet 5.00 on Nadal, you'll only profit 1.00 if he wins.

Vegas and all of the other odds makers have Nadal was a massive favorite. You don't have to be a Rafa hater to say that Rafa will steam roll Thiem. Everybody, including the experts, have Rafa as a massive favorite. Besides, this is a testament to Nadal. To say that he'll steam roll a good clay player like Thiem is saying how incredible Nadal is on clay.

With all of that being said, I really hope that Thiem can pull the rabbit out of the hat. This would be a massive upset; the biggest since Soderling beat Nadal in 2009.

 

[Athique Rehman]

There is no way Rafa allows Thiem to beat him on Sunday on his favourite court. Every victory Thiem has over Rafa has never been in a final. The last 2 victories of Thiem vs Nadal was QF matches. We all know Rafa is vulnerable the most before SF matches. Hence why he has a 24-3 win loss ratio in SF. This dreaming Thiem will win is quite lunatic. Djokovic had 3 efforts at Nadal in a SF/Final match between 2012 and 2014 and lost. Novak we all agree was the best equipped. Thiem is a very streaker player when he plays Nadal. He may come out strong and stay with Rafa etc but once Rafa bites his forehand and dictates the play then we will see error galore from Thiem. I can almost see it now. Players like Nadal, Djokovic and Federer do NOT lose slam finals against no goats. The player Rafa probably feared most was still Djokovic ironically. Thiem is a exceptional player but to beat Rafa in RG in a best 5 in a FINAL, sorry cant see it.

 

[Deleted member 756486]

There is no way Rafa allows Thiem to beat him on Sunday on his favourite court. Every victory Thiem has over Rafa has never been in a final. The last 2 victories of Thiem vs Nadal was QF matches. We all know Rafa is vulnerable the most before SF matches. Hence why he has a 24-3 win loss ratio in SF. This dreaming Thiem will win is quite lunatic. Djokovic had 3 efforts at Nadal in a SF/Final match between 2012 and 2014 and lost. Novak we all agree was the best equipped. Thiem is a very streaker player when he plays Nadal. He may come out strong and stay with Rafa etc but once Rafa bites his forehand and dictates the play then we will see error galore from Thiem. I can almost see it now. Players like Nadal, Djokovic and Federer do NOT lose slam finals against no goats. The player Rafa probably feared most was still Djokovic ironically. Thiem is a exceptional player but to beat Rafa in RG in a best 5 in a FINAL, sorry cant see it.

This post hurts my soul.

 

[Crionics]

I think Nadal looks beatable compared to last year for sure. But the problem is, does Thiem have the belief and can he zone for best of five against Nadal on Chatrier without becoming an error machine? Part of me thinks no but the other part of me thinks Thiem is ready.

No idea either, we will see on sunday.

 

[I Am Finnish]

The weather's gonna be even worse on Monday.

Let's just call it a tie and give them both runner-up plates.

or they can share the trophy together

 

[ewiewp]

Diego was playing great but I think Rafa is somewhat vulnerable at the moment.

 

[Poisoned Slice]

 

[Deleted member 756486]

Where’s @Meles? Come on man I wanna hear your take on this match!

 

[Artanis]

Just hoping for a long epic match. Maybe will favour the young apprentice...

 

[AlexanderTheGreat08]

There is no way Rafa allows Thiem to beat him on Sunday on his favourite court. Every victory Thiem has over Rafa has never been in a final. The last 2 victories of Thiem vs Nadal was QF matches. We all know Rafa is vulnerable the most before SF matches. Hence why he has a 24-3 win loss ratio in SF. This dreaming Thiem will win is quite lunatic. Djokovic had 3 efforts at Nadal in a SF/Final match between 2012 and 2014 and lost. Novak we all agree was the best equipped. Thiem is a very streaker player when he plays Nadal. He may come out strong and stay with Rafa etc but once Rafa bites his forehand and dictates the play then we will see error galore from Thiem. I can almost see it now. Players like Nadal, Djokovic and Federer do NOT lose slam finals against no goats. The player Rafa probably feared most was still Djokovic ironically. Thiem is a exceptional player but to beat Rafa in RG in a best 5 in a FINAL, sorry cant see it.

Don’t say this, 2012-14 was a better Rafa on Clay , Anything can happen, It’s a final we need to hype Thiem and hope for a great match , Give him a chance so people get excited

 

[Dilexson]

Thiem couldn't even get the job done against Zverev in a masters final (granted he did take down Rafa earlier). He isn't going to beat Rafa in his maiden slam final.
It'd be a mini victory for him to make it a tight match.
Rafa in 3 sets , if he starts poorly as he seemed to do in his last two matches then Rafa in 4.

 

[Athique Rehman]

Don’t say this, 2012-14 was a better Rafa on Clay , Anything can happen, It’s a final we need to hype Thiem and hope for a great match , Give him a chance so people get excited

I think you have a short memory. Rafa in 2012 was similar to Nadal 2017 where he dominated the field however in 2013 he stunk the whole place out. He was terrible up until the SF. I recall clearly Klizan and some other dude taking him to 4. 2018 Rafa is miles better than 2013 Rafa and 2014 Rafa for that matter. We forgetting in 2014 he lost MC QF, Barcelona QF, Madrid finl he won but got lucky Nishikori got injured and he lost Rome final.

 

[ewiewp]

I think Nadal looks beatable compared to last year for sure. But the problem is, does Thiem have the belief and can he zone for best of five against Nadal on Chatrier without becoming an error machine? Part of me thinks no but the other part of me thinks Thiem is ready.

Yes. Nadal appeared to lose intensity from Rome I think.
And I noticed thiems backhand has became pretty stable lately.

 

[stringertom]

There is no way Rafa allows Thiem to beat him on Sunday on his favourite court. Every victory Thiem has over Rafa has never been in a final. The last 2 victories of Thiem vs Nadal was QF matches. We all know Rafa is vulnerable the most before SF matches. Hence why he has a 24-3 win loss ratio in SF. This dreaming Thiem will win is quite lunatic. Djokovic had 3 efforts at Nadal in a SF/Final match between 2012 and 2014 and lost. Novak we all agree was the best equipped. Thiem is a very streaker player when he plays Nadal. He may come out strong and stay with Rafa etc but once Rafa bites his forehand and dictates the play then we will see error galore from Thiem. I can almost see it now. Players like Nadal, Djokovic and Federer do NOT lose slam finals against no goats. The player Rafa probably feared most was still Djokovic ironically. Thiem is a exceptional player but to beat Rafa in RG in a best 5 in a FINAL, sorry cant see it.

Players from Alpine countries win their maiden slam finals 100% of the time. One time it was vs Nadal.

 

[Deleted member 756486]